Ariel Bolles

What do you believe is the role of state government, if any, in ensuring that everyone living in Vermont has the food they need to thrive?

The state government must fill the gaps left by federal programs when federal dollars aren't meeting the needs of Vermonters. We also must "future-proof" and secure our food systems by incentivizing local innovation, diversity and climate resilience at a time when there's so much volatility internationally and federally. Food is a basic human right and in Vermont we must continue to enact and support universal programs that ensure everyone is fed.

What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?

I would support making the Universal School Meals program permanent, and continuing/expanding efforts to supply schools and local institutions (universities, hospitals etc) with produce and products from Vermont farms. In my district, we have a new grain processor (Champlain Valley Grain Center) and I'd like to see policy that supports farmers in growing grains that may have been unsustainable previously without a local mill.

I'm also inspired by legislation I've heard of in other states that would levy a fee on large companies whose fulltime employees are paid so little that they rely on Medicaid and SNAP (e.g., Walmart).

What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?

I believe that two of the root causes of hunger are economic uncertainty and lack of access to food (including proximity, disability, lack of transportation, limited hours of food shelves). I'd support further supplementing 3 Squares benefits for folks who need it, and increasing the Vermont minimum wage. I would also want to talk to local experts in food insecurity (Vermont Foodbank, food shelf volunteers, etc) to understand opportunities and logistical solutions for getting more food to people in need.

How would you help strengthen the state’s agriculture and food economy to ensure Vermont farms can continue to grow the food we all need?

Supporting and growing the market for local foods in local institutions (described above) would help our farming industry be more sustainable and stable. I also support funding grants and low-or-no-interest loans to farms that demonstrate innovation in climate resilience and sustainability.

We have opportunities in Vermont to improve everyone's living conditions, and I believe this will ease burdens on farmers and farm workers as well. Making housing more accessible and affordable and providing universal primary care and paid family leave are just a few efforts that would make farming life less tenuous for farmers and employees.